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Seven million five hundred thousand Americans experience the chronic autoimmune-mediated condition known as psoriasis. This challenging skin condition is more than skin deep and can be very challenging for both providers and nurses to treat. Often, dermatology and primary care nurses are faced with the management of psoriasis patients but do not have access to contemporary disease assessment information, treatment options, or patient resources. In an attempt to address this dearth of information, in addition to our membership requesting more access to online education opportunities, the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) has developed a virtual symposium. This unique online educational format provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease including associated comorbidities, proper assessment, treatment options, patient education tips, and resources.

The virtual symposium, offered in a live format initially on November 10, 2012, is now available in its entirety via an on-demand format for anyone interested in learning more about this devastating and widespread disease. Participants of the program can expect to

* gain an understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology behind psoriasis;

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL EVENT?

A virtual event is a gathering of people sharing a common interest on the Web rather than meeting in a physical location. In its live format (the version initially offered on the launch date of November 10), the event can be highly interactive with the ability to chat with peers, other attendees, and exhibitors in a virtual world. Attendees of the now-archived event will benefit from the recorded lectures and the speaker Q&A session that occurred at the live offering and will also have the opportunity to walk the virtual exhibit hall and visit booths of the participating exhibitors.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT?

The 2-D platform allows participants to view a PowerPoint presentation while listening to the recorded presenter and to download any session-related material.

The 3-D platform is what makes this event extremely engaging. You will be able to create an avatar, a 3-D representation of yourself; see each presentation by entering an online auditorium; and visit the virtual exhibit hall.

IS THIS SIMILAR TO AN ON-SITE EVENT?

Almost. Although the archived version, now available, uses recorded sessions, participants are still able to network with other attendees who may be online at the same time and walk the virtual exhibit hall. The exhibit hall is set up just like an on-site event, and attendees of the archived version can still download documents, view new products, and more. The one big difference but major advantage of the virtual format is that you are doing all of this from the comfort of your home or office—no travel expenses and no time lost from work, and the best part, you can move through the entirety of the program at your own pace!

WHAT WILL THE SYMPOSIUM COVER?

The symposium consists of three sessions providing a comprehensive review of psoriasis. The title of the first session, “Understanding Psoriasis: A Closer Look at the History, Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Criteria and Comorbidities of a Disease that Is More Than Skin Deep,” adequately sums up what will be covered in this detail-filled presentation. Participants will be able to identify the various types of psoriasis, determine disease severity, discuss preexisting conditions, and delineate quality-of-life concerns. The speaker is Stephanie Kemmerling, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.

In the second session by Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, titled “Psoriasis Treatment Considerations,” participants will be able to identify three topical pharmacotherapies of psoriasis, including pharmocotherapeutics and mechanisms of actions; describe three systemic immunosuppressant therapies in the treatment of psoriasis, including immune-mediated mechanism of action, target cells, and monitoring criteria; and discuss four main biological therapies used in the treatment of psoriasis emphasizing patient selection criteria.

Susan Tofte, RN, MS, FNP-C, the speaker for the last session, will help participants navigate the myriad of patient and family resources. This session, titled “Patient Education,” provides an explanation of chronic disease management, delineates treatment considerations and decisions that accompany them, explains side effects of therapy, discusses screening and maintenance surveillance, and reviews mental health considerations and support group options.

CAN I EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS?

The DNA is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP5708.

In addition, this program is approved for 2.0 contact hours of continuing education (which includes 1.0 hour of pharmacology) by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, Program ID 1211424. This program was planned in accordance with the AANP CE standards and Policies and the AANP Commercial Support Standards.

WHAT DO I NEED TO VIEW/PARTICIPATE IN THE SYMPOSIUM?

You will need a computer with Internet connection and speakers. The symposium will stream live through the Internet, and you will listen to the presenters through the computer speakers. You can use headphones if you are participating from an office.

System requirements for the 2-D platform:

* Adobe Flash Plugin

* Internet Explorer 7+, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari

* Broadband Internet connection

System requirements for the 3-D platform:

* Adobe Flash Plugin

* Internet Explorer 7+, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari

* Broadband Internet connection

Both platforms are compatible with iOS- and Android-based tablets and smartphones.

WILL THERE BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS?

CAN I STILL ACCESS THE SYMPOSIUM ALTHOUGH THE LIVE STREAMING DATE HAS PASSED?

Yes. Although the live streaming date has passed, participants may still register and earn continuing education credits. Visit the DNA Web site at www.dnanurse.org, click on the Virtual Event banner, or visit the Events page at http://www.dnanurse.org/about/events. Once registered, you will receive a link to the recorded version of the symposium for you to view at your leisure.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT THIS EVENT?

One participant of the live event said, “It was good for me to figure out the technology on my own time. Not bad for a self-proclaimed dinosaur! I plan to avoid ever using that as an excuse again, it was so easy to maneuver and tech support was available for any hiccups. Thank you DNA!”

Program Chair Lakshi Aldredge states that she learned so much from her co-faculty and thought that the entire process, including the live Q&A portion, went very smoothly.

DNA would like to thank all of our virtual symposium supporters, including AMGEN, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and LEO Pharma, Inc., and our media partners Lippincott Williams & Wilkins and the National Psoriasis Foundation.

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